Electronic scented candle and fragrance container

ABSTRACT

An electronic scented candle is described that includes a movable flame-shaped component, a shell including an installation chamber, a fragrance container that is removably positioned inside the installation chamber and a scent chamber. An electric fan is positioned within the shell to drive the air into the scent chamber and a scent outlet coupled to the scent chamber to allow the fragrance material to leave the scent chamber and to reach an external environment of the electronic scented candle. The electronic candle also includes a receptacle for connecting a power cord on a bottom surface of the electronic candle. The bottom surface includes a plurality of protruding stands that provide a space to allow the power cord to be connected to the receptacle and be routed below the bottom surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/141,923, filed on Jan. 5, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/376,835, filed on Apr. 5, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,967,090, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/027,124, filed Jul. 3, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,251,968,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/705,133,filed Sep. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,640, which claims priorityto Chinese Patent Application No. 201710461749.X, filed Jun. 17, 2017.The entire contents of the before mentioned patent applications areincorporated by reference in this patent document.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed technology relates to electronic scented candles andfragrance containers associated therewith.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Candles are used in many settings, such as in households, in publicrestaurants, churches, temples, large theme parks and even urban publicinfrastructures. Due to their short lifetime, however, conventionalcandles need to replaced frequently. In addition, open flame of a realcandle can be a potential fire hazard, which also limits the extent towhich candles are used.

Along with the development of new technologies, scented candles that areelectrically powered have appeared in the market. These electronicscented candles simulate a flickering flame, which plays a great role increating the proper atmosphere for the above venues and householdenvironments. In addition to their use as a decorative piece, thesecandles can provide additional practical functions such as releasing ascent by using a fan that forces the scent to a scent outlet for releaseinto an external environment. However, such a electronic scented candlesoften do not produce a satisfactory scent, and are not convenient touse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed technology relates to an electronic scented candle that isconvenient to use and enable rapid generation and dissipation of scentedmaterial.

One aspect of the disclosed technology relates to an electronic scentedcandle that includes a flame piece, a shell including an installationchamber, a fragrance container that is removably positioned inside theinstallation chamber, a scent chamber, and a liquid suction channelpositioned within the fragrance container, where a first end of theliquid suction channel protrudes from the fragrance container into thescent chamber and a second end of the liquid suction channel ispositioned within the fragrance container to draw a fragrance materialfrom the fragrance container to the scent chamber. The electronicscented candle further includes a scent outlet in communication with thescent chamber to allow scent from the scent chamber to reach an externalenvironment of the electronic scented candle, and an air inlet incommunication with the scent chamber to direct air from the externalenvironment to the scent chamber. The electronic scented candle alsoincludes a heating device in communication with the scent chamber toprovide thermal energy to the fragrance material drawn into the scentchamber and to the external air drawn into the scent chamber through theair inlet. The the heating device is configured to impart the thermalenergy to contents of the scent chamber and to volatize the contents ofthe scent chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an electronic scented candle according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary view of an electronic scentedcandle according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1C illustrates an electronic scented candle according to anexemplary embodiment that includes an electric cord;

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic scentedcandle according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1E illustrates an enlarged view of a section of the electronicscented candle of FIG. 1D;

FIG. 2A illustrates an electronic scented candle according to anexemplary embodiment that includes a charging base;

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic scentedcandle of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged view of a section of scented candle ofFIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 2D illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a section of theelectronic scented candle of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E illustrates another cross-sectional view of the electronicscented candle shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of an electronic scented candle inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of an electronic scented candle inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates a fragrance container in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of a fragrance container inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a liquid suction channelin accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4D illustrates a fragrance container in an upright position inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4E illustrates a fragrance container in an upside down position inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4F illustrates a fragrance container and an air supply assembly inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded view of a fragrance container inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged view a section of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C illustrates a fragrance container in an upright position inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5D illustrates a fragrance container in an upside down position inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5E illustrates a cross-section view of a fragrance container sandan air intake assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5F illustrates sections of a heating wire and a liquid suction partin accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates a fragrance container in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fragrance containershown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates sections of the fragrance container and anassociated slot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7B illustrates an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a first diagram illustrating the insertion of a fragrancecontainer into an electronic scented candle in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a second diagram illustrating the insertion of a fragrancecontainer into an electronic scented candle in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a third diagram illustrating the insertion of a fragrancecontainer into an electronic scented candle in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of some of the components of anelectronic scented candle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;and

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of some of the components of anelectronic scented candle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1A through FIG. 6B, an electronic scented candle 300according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology comprises a shell160, a fragrance container 10, a scent chamber 20, a liquid suctionchannel 30, and a heating device 40. In particular, FIG. 1A illustratesa side view of the electronic scented candle 300 having a shell 160, andfurther illustrating a observation window 180 and a sound sensor 92,which will be discussed in further detail in the following sections.FIG. 1A also shows a flame piece 170 and support components 130 (orlegs), which allow the candle device to be placed on a flat surfacewhile maintaining the desired distance or spacing 140 between the bottomof the candle and the surface that it is placed upon.

FIG. 1B illustrates some of the components of the electronic scentedcandle 300 when the candle 300 is turned upside down, includingon/off/timer switches, a power cord 220 and a prompt point 210 (whichwill be described in further detail below). FIG. 1B also shows a gap 60between the fragrance container 10 and the wall of the installationchamber that accommodates the fragrance container. FIG. 1C is similar toFIG. 1B but with an end of the power cord 220 connected to thereceptacle at the center of the bottom section of the electronic scentedcandle 300. It should be noted that the power cord is providedadditionally or alternatively to the embodiment that is shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates some of the internal components and their locationswithin the scented electronic candle 300, including a light-emittingelement 200 that illuminates the flame piece 170, an additional lightsource 150, a buckle 110 and a slot 120 (both of which will be describedfurther), and an air supply assembly 50 that includes a hood 51 and afan 52. FIG. 1D also shows one or more batteries 310. The section inFIG. 1D that is identified by the letter A is magnified and shown inFIG. 1E, further illustrating the positioning of the additional lightsource 150 with respect to a section of the fragrance container body 12.

Specifically, the shell comprises an installation chamber and a scentoutlet. There may also be a plurality of scent outlets such that a scentis rapidly diffused into the air. In one embodiment, the hole on the topof the electronic scented candle 300 that allows the flame piece 170 toextend outward is the same hole as the scent outlet. Additionally, oralternatively, the scent outlet may be formed separately, for example,on the side or bottom of the electronic scented candle 300. Thefragrance container 10 is installed inside the installation chamber. Asillustrated in, for example, FIGS. 4A and 4F, a vent hole 15 of thescent chamber 20 is in communication with the scent outlet, and an airinlet 14 of the scent chamber 20 is in communication with the externalair (e.g., the air outside of the scented candle device 300 that isdrawn into the air inlet 14). Various components and views of thefragrance container 10 are shown in FIGS. 4A to 5A. For example, as seenin FIGS. 4D and 4F, one end of the liquid suction channel 30 extendsinto a fragrance liquid in the fragrance container 10, while the otherend of the liquid suction channel 30 extends into the scent chamber 20.The liquid suction channel 30 is capable of sucking fragrance from oneend of the liquid suction channel 30 to the other end thereof. As shownin, for example, FIGS. 4B and 5A, a heating device 40 is disposed insidethe scent chamber 20 for heating the other end of the liquid suctionchannel 30.

In operation, a liquid in the fragrance container 10 rises from thebottom to the top of the liquid suction channel 30 due to, e.g.,capillary action, the heating device 40 heats the liquid suction channel30 to accelerate volatilization of the fragrance that is dispersed tothe external environment (external environment refers to the environmentoutside of the electronic scented candle 300). Heat can accelerate themovement speed of the molecules, and the heated fragrance molecules canmove into the air rapidly such that the electronic scented candle 300can quickly produce a scent after operation.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 4F and 5A, the fragrancecontainer 10 comprises a cover body 11 and a bottle body 12. The scentchamber 20 (see FIG. 4F) is formed within the cover body 11. It isunderstood that the scent chamber 20 may also be formed at otherpositions of the electronic scented candle 300. The cover body 11includes one or more air inlets 14 that are in communication with theexternal air via an air supply channel that cause outside air to flowinto the scent chamber 20. The fragrance is heated and turned into gasin the scent chamber 20, it is mixed with the air that is already in thescent chamber 20 (or is subsequently received by the scent chamber 20)and is then disseminated to the external environment though the scentoutlet. The external air enters the scent chamber via the air supplychannel and the air inlets to replenish the air in the scent chamber 20.In one embodiment, the shell of the cover body 11 is made of a hightemperature-resistant material to delay the aging process of the coverbody 11 and to therefore extend the useful life of the cover body 11. Inone embodiment, the diameter of the air inlet 14 tapers in a directionof air flow; for example, the air inlet 14 is funnel shaped such thatthe air flowing out of the air inlet 14 has a higher velocity relativeto the air at the flows into the air inlet 14. The air flow acceleratesvolatilization of the fragrance at the upper end of the liquid suctionchannel 30 causing the fragrance material to be volatilized and rapidlydispersed into the external environment.

In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle further comprises atemperature controller. The temperature controller can control the onand off operation of the heating device. When the electronic scentedcandle just begins to work, the temperature controller controls theheating device to increase the temperature rapidly. For example, thetemperature of the heating device can rapidly increase to about 280° C.to 300° C., thus enabling the fragrance material at the other end of theliquid suction channel to be rapidly volatilized and dispersed into theoutside environment. When the electronic scented candle has worked for aperiod of time, for example, 10 to 20 minutes, the temperature of theheating device is lowered. For example, the temperature of the heatingdevice is lowered to 200° C. to 250° C., which reduces thevolatilization rate of the fragrance material. When the electronicscented candle has worked for another period of time, e.g. 30 to 60minutes, the temperature of the heating device is further lowered. Forexample, the temperature of the heating device is lowered to 150° C. to180° C. such that the fragrance is volatilized slowly and continuouslyinto the air. The above control method keeps the fragrance content ofthe environment surrounding the scented candle within a reasonable rangeand avoids situations in which the scent is too strong, or isintermittent. In some embodiments, the temperature of the heating deviceis in a range of 170° C. to 230° C. When a fragrance material is heatedto the above temperature range, the fragrance can be fully turned into agaseous form having very fine particles, which enables the fragrance tobe rapidly and evenly dispersed in to the air.

In some embodiments, the fragrance container may also be filled withpure water, allowing a user to select a humidification mode of operationassociated with the electronic scented candle. In such embodiments, theelectronic scented candle is used as a humidifier, and the temperatureof the heating device can be set to a range of, for example, 140° C. to320° C. When the water is heated to the within the above range oftemperatures, the water is vaporized and is rapidly and evenly dispersedin to the air. Naturally, the current supplied to the heating device mayalso be directly controlled so as to achieve the goal of controlling thetemperature of the heating device. In some embodiments, the heatingperiod of the heating device may be controlled according to a scentconcentration or level that is desired by a user. Specifically, the usermay set the heating device to intermittent heating, e.g., heat for 5minutes or another time duration, within a larger interval of time(e.g., within each half hour, one hour, two hours, etc.). In someembodiments, a user may set the heating duration, particular times ofday to turn on and to turn off, or adjust the scent concentration of theelectronic scented candle as desired to provide the desired scent levelsat appropriate times.

Referring back to FIGS. 4B and 5A, in some embodiments, the liquidsuction channel 30 comprises a housing 31 and a liquid suction component32. The liquid suction component 32 is disposed inside the housing 31,and an opening 33 is formed on the sidewall of the housing 31. Theprovision of the housing 31 enhances the mechanical strength of theliquid suction channel 30, which serves to extend the service life ofthe product, and also facilitates the installation of the liquid suctionchannel 30 into the fragrance container 10. The liquid in the fragrancecontainer 10 can enter the liquid suction component 32 via the opening33 formed at least partially on a bottom end of the sidewall of thehousing 31, which ensures that substantially all of the liquid withinthe fragrance container 10 can be fully consumed by the liquid suctioncomponent 32 (see, for example, FIG. 4F illustrating that the liquidsuction channel 30 extends to the very bottom of the fragrance container10). The liquid suction component 32 may comprise an absorbent and hightemperature-resistant material, such as absorbent cotton to allow thefragrance material to rise rapidly from the bottom end of the liquidsuction channel 30 to its top. The fragrance material is then rapidlyvolatilized at the top end of the liquid suction channel 30 anddispersed into the external environment.

In addition, the liquid suction channel 30 has an elongated shape thatextends beyond the fragrance material level (see, e.g., FIG. 4Fillustrating the end of the liquid suction channel 30 extends into thescent chamber 20). As such, the fragrance material will not immediatelyfill up the entire length of the liquid suction channel after the liquidsuction channel is placed into the fragrance material. This featureenables a user to install the liquid suction channel with ample time toavoid leakage of the fragrance material from the top end of the liquidsuction channel 30. In one embodiment, the length of the liquid suctioncomponent 32 is greater than the length of the housing 31. As such, theliquid suction component 32 can be independently extended into thefragrance material, which in turn ensures that the liquid suctionchannel 30 fully absorbs the fragrance material of the container.

In some embodiments, the housing 31 and the liquid suction component 32have the same length, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5C-5E. Inthis configuration, the bottom of the housing 31 is provided with anopening 33, which, as noted earlier, ensures that the entire fragrancematerial is consumed. Moreover, it prevents a situation in which thefragrance material is pushed too quickly onto the liquid suctioncomponent 32 to cause overflow at the other end of the liquid suctionchannel 30. In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 4B, 4Cand 5A, the liquid suction component 32 includes an absorbent cottonstick. A heating wire 41 can be wound at one end of the liquid suctioncomponent 32 (e.g., the absorbent cotton), as shown, for example, inFIG. 5B, which is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 5A. Thisconfiguration has a simple structure and facilitates production andmanufacturing of the components.

In another embodiment, as shown in, for example, FIG. 5F, the liquidsuction component 32 includes a folded section comprising an absorbent(e.g., cotton) material. The heating wire 41 is wound at the foldedsection of the absorbent material. This structure enables the liquidsuction component 32 to rapidly absorb the fragrance material, thusenabling the electronic scented candle 300 to quickly release the scentinto the outside environment. In one example, the liquid suctioncomponent 32 is formed by folding an absorbent cotton stick in half; insome implementations, the liquid suction component 32 may be formed byfolding the absorbent cotton stick asymmetrically. It should be notedthat, in some implementations, the heating wire 41 may not be disposedon the liquid suction channel 30, but can be positioned in its vicinityto heat up the liquid suction channel 30.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 4B and 5A, thecover body 11 of the fragrance container 10 is provided with a fixedbracket 16. An electrically conductive sheet(s) (elements 42 in FIG. 4Band elements 421 in FIG. 5A) is disposed on the fixed bracket 16. Thefixed bracket 16 isolates the electrically conductive sheet(s) andprevents them from being exposed to the fragrance material, thusavoiding the corrosion of the conductive sheets and increasing theiruseful life.

As noted earlier and as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4D, 4E and 5C to5E, in some embodiments, an opening 33 is formed at the bottom of thehousing 31 of the liquid suction channel 30. When the fragrancecontainer 10 is turned upside down (as shown in, e.g., FIG. 4E), the toplevel of the fragrance material in the bottle body 12 remains at a lowerlevel than the opening 33, thus preventing the entry of the fragrancematerial into the liquid suction component 32 and thus preventing theunwanted leakage of the fragrance material.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1D, 2B, 4F, and 5E,the electronic scented candle 300 further comprises an air supplyassembly 50 disposed inside the electronic scented candle 300 fordelivering air to air inlet 14. The air supply assembly 50 can increasethe air flow, which in turn accelerates volatilization of the fragrancematerial for dissemination into the external environment. In addition,the air flow can be directed toward the scent outlet (e.g., the hole inthe top middle section of the candle device) to cause the flame piece170 swing irregularly. Such an irregular swing more closely resemblesthe flickering of a real flame.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1D, 2B, 4F, and 5E,the air supply assembly 50 comprises a hood 51 and a fan 52; the airintake of the hood 51 is in communication with external air and the airoutlet thereof is in communication with air inlet 14. The fan 52 isdisposed inside the hood 51. The hood 51 guides the wind blown by thefan 52 toward the air inlet 14, and ensures that the air is completelyguided into the air inlet 14, which in turn facilitates rapidvolatilization of the fragrance material and release of the scent intothe external environment.

In some embodiments, when the electronic scented candle 300 (or itsscent generation engine) is turned off, the heating device 40 is firstdeactivated while the fan 52 continues to work for a particular durationof time to maintain the delivery of air into the scent chamber 20. Thisway, the residual fragrance that may exist in the scent chamber 20 isblown out of the scent chamber 20, thereby reducing or eliminatingoxidization of the components due to prolonged exposure to the fragrancematerial. In one embodiment, the air supply assembly 50 furthercomprises a noise-reducing member to reduce the noise produce due to theoperation of the fan 52.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1D, 2B, 4F, and 5E,the diameter of the hood 51 tapers from the air intake to the air outlet14; for example, the hood 51 is funnel shaped to cause the air thatflows out of the hood 51 to have a relatively high velocity. Theincreased rate of air flow accelerates volatilization of the fragrancematerial at the top of the liquid suction channel 30, and facilitatesrapid dissemination of the fragrance material into the externalenvironment.

In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle further comprises afilter assembly. The filter assembly can absorb relatively large liquiddroplets. As such, the filter assembly eliminates or reduces the amountof fog particles that may exit the scented candle while allowing thevolatilized fragrance particles and air to reach the externalenvironment.

In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle further comprises asmoke generation device to produce smoke that is blown out of the scentoutlet via the air supply assembly. The blowing smoke can resemble thenatural smoke associated with a real candle flame. The combination ofsmoke and illumination from one or more light-emitting elements producesa lifelike dynamic simulation that resembles a real fire flame.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 4B and 5A, theelectronic scented candle 300 further comprises a sealing gasket 70disposed inside the cover body 11 and located between the cover body 11and the bottle body 12. The sealing gasket 70 is preferably made of PP(Polypropylene), rubber or silica gel, which produces a good seal andimproves the tightness of installation between the cover body 11 and thebottle body 12, thereby reducing the vibrations of the cover body 11 andthe associated noise. As shown in FIG. 5A, the housing 31 and thesealing gasket 70 can be formed as an integral unit to ensure themechanical strength of the product, while at the same time reducing thenumber of required components which facilitates the manufacturing of thedevice and lowers its production costs.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 6A and 6B, theelectronic scented candle 300 further comprises a protective lid 230that covers the cover body 11. Prior to installation of the fragrancecontainer 10 in the electronic scented candle 300, the protective lid230 can prevent evaporation of the fragrance material. A fragrancecontainer 10 equipped with the protective lid 230 can be sold separatelyto allow a user to separately purchase the containers as needed.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1C, the electronicscented candle 300 further comprises an electric receptacle forconnection to a power supply. In some embodiments, the receptacle caninclude a magnet that attracts another magnet that is embedded as partof a power cord 220 or an external power supply. When connection to apower source is needed, for example, to charge the batteries of thescented candle, the power cord 220 can be moved to the vicinity of thereceptacle. The attractive force of the magnets can then assist inmoving the power cord to properly mate with the receptacle. When thebattery 310 is fully charged or the electronic scented candle 300 is notin use, the power cord 220 can be disconnected and removed from view.The magnetic member of the receptacle can be a magnet or anelectromagnet that interacts with the magnet on the power cord 220, ormay be made of a material, such as iron, that allows the magnet of thepower cord 220 to be attracted to, and thus move toward, the receptacle.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A, the electronicscented candle 300 further comprises a charging base 250 that allows auser to place the electronic scented candle 300 on the charging base 250for charging. In some implementations, the charging base 250 is shapedto resemble a candlestick, which further enhances the resemblance of thecandle device to a real candle. In a specific embodiment, the battery310 is a lithium battery with a capacity of 3200 mAh. The battery 310can typically be fully charged after 1.5 to 2 hours of charging. Inother embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 may be powered by adry cell, an external power supply, or other power sources. In aspecific embodiment, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1C, the power cord220 is directly attached to the electronic scented candle 300 and formsan integral structure with the electronic scented candle 300.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIG. 2B, the electronicscented candle 300 further comprises a scent discharge channel 280disposed inside the shell and in communication with the scent outlet andthe vent hole. The provision of the scent discharge channel 280 preventsthe scent from entering other parts of the candle device and preventscorrosion of those parts. A corrosion-proof layer is provided on theinner wall of the scent discharge channel 280, which prevents or reducescorrosion of the scent discharge channel 280. Additionally oralternatively, the scent discharge channel 280 itself may be made of acorrosion-resistant material, such as PP (Polypropylene).

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9A and 9B, theelectronic scented candle 300 further comprises a WiFi controller 81 anda WiFi receiver 82. Specifically, the WiFi controller 81 is used tocontrol one or more operations of the electronic scented candle 300. TheWiFi receiver 82 is used to receive wireless signals and convert thereceived wireless signals into electric signals, which are input intothe WiFi controller 81. The signals provided over a wireless network canbe generated by a mobile terminal that runs an application (APP) toissue commands and instructions to the WiFi receiver 82, which receivesthose instructions via the wireless network, converts the instructionsinto an electric signal, and communicates them to the WiFi controller81. The WiFi controller 81 controls, in turn, an operation of theelectronic scented candle 300, such as to turn-on, turn-off, activatedifferent modes of operation, set timers, etc. The APP on the mobileterminal can also display information regarding the operational state ofthe electronic scented candle 300. The mobile terminal can, for example,be a cell phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, theelectronic scented candle 300 further includes a control device 91 and asensing element (92, 93). The control device 91 is used to control anoperation of the electronic scented candle 300. The sensing element (91,92) is used to receive an external input and convert the receivedexternal input into an electric signal, which is provided to the controldevice 91. The sensing element (91, 92) can for example receive anexternal signal or stimulus, such as a sound, air flow and pressure, atouch, a movement, etc., and convert the external signal into anelectric signal that causes the control device 91 to control anoperation of the electronic scented candle 300. For example, a user may,via voice control or pressure control, control various operations of thescented candle device, such as to turn it on and off, to set differentoperational modes, or set timer operations. Alternatively oradditionally, the user can blow (or direct an airflow using a fan) tothe sensor element to cause the electronic scented candle's flame to be“blown out” or extinguished by the fan. In this scenario, the controldevice 91 receives the signals associated with the detection of the blowor air flow, and can extinguish the “flame” of the electronic scentedcandle 300. At the same time, the control device 91 can control thesmoke device to produce smoke to simulate the smoke produced when a realcandle is extinguished.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2E and FIG. 9A, thesensing element is a capacitive sensor 93. When a user touches theelectronic scented candle 300, the capacitance of the capacitive sensor93 changes, and the change in capacitance is converted to an electricsignal that is input into the control device 91. In such embodiments, auser may control an operation of the electronic scented candle 300 bytouching it. In particular, the user can touch or knock on the shell160, which causes the capacitance of the capacitive sensor 93 to changeand produce an electric signal. The control device 91 receives theelectric signal and controls, according to the signal, an operation ofthe electronic scented candle 300, such as to turn in on or off,activate different modes of operation, set timer values, etc. Forexample, the user can knock on the shell 160 once to turn on theelectronic scented candle 300, and knock the shell 160 again to turn theelectronic scented candle 300 off. Knocking the shell 160 continuouslycan activate the timers, and a touch that persists for a long time(e.g., for more than a predetermined duration) can activate the settingof a operational modes. The control of the electronic scented candle 300by means of touching has the following advantages: it allows theelectronic scented candle to maintain an appearance of a natural candle(by eliminating the need for implementation of visible switches, knobs,etc.) while allowing different operational modes to be activated bysimply touching an outside area of the candle device. Existing candlesystems typically provide a control switch at the bottom of theelectronic scented candle 300, which forces the user to pick up thecandle device to control the operation of the candle. The capacitivesensor 93 may be disposed at different positions on the electronicscented candle 300. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor 93 isdisposed on the external surface of the electronic scented candle 300,and the surface of the capacitive sensor 93 is provided with a non-metallayer. The material of the non-metal layer can the same as the materialof the shell 160, such as wax/plastic, so as to ensure the consistencyand elegance of the electronic scented candle 300. The sensing elementmay also be a pressure sensor that can be used to sense pressure orforce that is excreted on the candle device, and convert the pressure toan electric signal for input to the control device 91.

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 9B, the sensingelement is a sound sensor 92 that is used to respond to a sound wave,and convert the sound wave into an electric signal that is provided tothe control device 91. A user may control an operation of the electronicscented candle 300 by using voice. For example, the sound sensor 92 canreceive a sound wave (e.g., a word or a phrase uttered by the user) andconvert the sound wave to an electric signal that is used by controldevice 91 to control an operation of the electronic scented candle 300,such as to turn the candle on/off, set timers, and so on. In oneexample, the user can activate the electronic scented candle 300 using avoice command, such as ““Hello Scent” or “Hello Candle”, or initiate aparticular operation of the electronic scented candle 300 via a voicecommand, such as “Turn on the scent.” In response, the sound sensor 92captures the sound wave associated with the voice comment and controlsthe operation of the heating device 400 to, e.g., turn on the scentfeature of the electronic scented candle 300. In another example, a usercan inquire: “Check the current state of the scent”, in response towhich, the control device 91 can provide feedback regarding the currentscent-releasing rate of the fragrance. In yet another example, the usercan ask: “Set a scent”, in response to which the control device 91 canadjust the current scent-releasing level of the fragrance. For example,the user may directly say “high scent,” “medium scent,” or “low scent”to request the appropriate levels of scent release. In still anotherexample, the user tells the electronic scented candle 300 “Turn off thescent”, in response to which the control device 91 turns off the heatingdevice 400 of the electronic scented candle 300.

It should be understood that the above description regarding voicecontrol of the scent feature is one example of various voice controloperations that can be implemented in accordance with the disclosedembodiments. In some example embodiments, the sound sensor 92 is amicrophone, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1A. The microphone can bedisposed above the observation window 180, or disposed on top surface ofthe shell 160. In other examples, the microphone can be disposed at aposition to the right or left of the flame piece of the electronicscented candle 300 (e.g., inside the top central hole on top of thecandle device). In such a configuration, the flame piece can hide themicrophone from plain view, which makes the appearance of the candledevice closer to a real candle. Moreover, a sound wave can beimmediately captured by the microphone, thereby ensuring the reliabilityand speed of actions that are initiated by the voice commands. In someembodiments, the control circuitry within the electronic scented candle300 are capable of recognizing and reacting to a plurality of languages,such as Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, etc. In some embodiments,during the voice interaction between a user and the electronic scentedcandle 300, the electronic scented candle may provide feedback to theuser via voice. In such embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300includes a power amplifier circuit and a loudspeaker therein to enablesuch a feedback.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 2E, 9A and 9B, theelectronic scented candle 300 further comprises a remote controller 101that is coupled to a receiving module 102. The receiving module 102receives commands and signals from a remote control (not shown),converts them to electrical signals and communicates them to the remotecontroller 101 to control various operations of the electronic scentedcandle 300, such as to turn the candle device on/off. The mode of signaltransmission by the remote control may be carried out via infrared,Bluetooth, high-frequency module, and other wireless transmissiontechnologies. In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 isprovided with a notch 320 (see, e.g., FIG. 2E) at the position near thereceiving module 102. Alternatively, the shell of the receiving module102 can be made of a transparent or translucent material so as to allowthe receiving module 102 to receive signals from all angles. In someembodiments, remote control can have 10 touch keys: Touch Key 1 turnsthe product on/off; Touch Keys 2 to 4 can correspond to high, medium andlow fragrance concentration (high-speed volatilization of fragrance(high), mid-speed volatilization of fragrance (mid), and low-speedvolatilization of fragrance (low)), respectively; Touch Keys 5 to 7 cancorrespond to different durations of heating device operation, e.g., 120min, 180 min, 240 min working duration, respectively; Touch Keys 8 to 10can correspond to different durations for operation of thelight-emitting devices, e.g., 6 hours, 8 hours, and 10 hours,respectively. A user may set the duration for the heating device 40, thelight-emitting elements 200 according to specific requirements.

In some embodiments, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1D, 2B, 4A, 6B, 7A,and 7B, the fragrance container 10 is provided with a buckle 110 on thecover body 11. The buckle 110 is in snap connection with the wall of theinstallation chamber. In some embodiments, the installation chamberincludes a slot 120 that engages the buckle 110. Specifically, the coverbody 11 includes a buckle 110 that can be disposed at the top or on aside of the cover body 11; the slot 120 is formed at a position so as toengage with the buckle 110. In one embodiment, the slot 120 is formed onthe installation chamber and preferably formed integrally with theinstallation chamber. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, thebuckle 110 has a structure similar to T that is wide on its top andnarrow on its bottom. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and7B, the slot 120 is shaped as key.

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a process for installation of the fragrancecontainer 10 into the electronic scented candle 300. In particular, asillustrated in FIG. 8A, the fragrance container 10 is inserted intopushed into the installation chamber from the bottom of the electronicscented candle 300 and pushed until it snaps into the slot 120. If auser wants to take out the fragrance container 10, the user may touchand press the bottom of the fragrance container 10, which causes thecover body 11 installed with the fragrance container 10 to disengagefrom the slot 120. In other embodiments, the cover body 11 can besnapped into the slot 120 through the buckle 110; when the fragrancecontainer 10 needs to be replaced, the fragrance container 10 may berotated at an angle such that the cover body 11 installed with thefragrance container 10 disengages from the slot 120.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5F, theheating device 40 comprises a heating wire 41 and two electricallyconductive sheets 42; the heating wire 41 is wound around the liquidsuction channel 30; one end of the two electrically conductive sheets 42is connected to the connection end 411 of the heating wire 41,respectively; the other end thereof is connected into a power supplycircuit of the electronic scented candle 300 (i.e. one end of one of theelectrically conductive sheets is connected to one end of the heatingwire, the other end thereof is connected into a power supply circuit ofthe electronic scented candle, one end of the other electricallyconductive sheet is connected to the other end of the heating wire, andthe other end thereof is connected into the power supply circuit of theelectronic scented candle). After the fragrance container 10 isinstalled into the electronic scented candle 300, the two electricallyconductive connectors 42 are connected into a power supply circuit ofthe electronic scented candle 300. After the electronic scented candle300 is powered on, the heating wire 41 heats up by being powered onthrough the two electrically conductive connectors 42. The heating wire41 heats the liquid suction channel 30 to accelerate the volatilizationof the fragrance, and the scent is volatilized from the scent outletinto the external air such that the electronic scented candle 300 canrelease a scent. In some embodiments, the other end of the electricallyconductive connectors 42 projects beyond the cover body 11, and a pin inengagement with the electrically conductive connectors 42 is providedinside the installation chamber. When the fragrance container 10 isinstalled into the installation chamber, the electrically conductiveconnectors 42 press against the pin, and at this moment, the buckle 110is snapped into the slot 120, and the fragrance container 10 is locked.When the fragrance container 10 is to be removed from the electronicscented candle 300, the pin is compressed, which provides, together withthe door lock switch, a force for the ejection of the fragrancecontainer 10, such that the fragrance container 10 is fully ejected. Insome embodiments, the electrically conductive connectors 42 are Ushaped, and the pin can be inserted into the electrically conductiveconnectors 42, such that the pin is in full contact with theelectrically conductive connectors 42. Naturally, the electricallyconductive connectors 42 may also formed as sheets, and the pin can restagainst the plane of the electrically conductive connectors 42. Thoseskilled in the art should understand that the electrically conductiveconnectors 42 may have any shape, as long as they can be in contact withthe pin. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, theheating wire 41 is wound around the liquid suction component 32.Alternatively, the liquid suction component 32 can be wound around theheating wire 41. The liquid suction component 32 comprises an absorptivesection 321 and a winding section 322, and the heating wire 41 is woundaround the winding section 322. Alternatively, the winding section 322can be wound around the heating wire 41. Moreover, the liquid suctioncomponent 32 can be divided into two parts. In some embodiments, a usermay replace the absorptive section 321 when, for example, differentfragrances are used. This way, the mixture of different scents can beavoided. In some implementations, the heating wire 41 can be aniron-chromium-aluminum electric heating wire, a nickel-chromium electricheating wire, or a copper-based alloy electric heating wire.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, the electrically conductiveconnectors 42 comprises sheet bodies 421 and connection poles 422. Thesheet body 421 is disposed inside the cover body 11. One end of theconnection pole 422 extends beyond the cover body 11 and can beconnected into a power supply circuit of the electronic scented candle300. The other end thereof is connected with the sheet body 421. In someembodiments, the electrically conductive connectors 42 can be dividedinto two parts, and the two parts can be first installed separately, andthen assembled, leading to a convenient assembly procedure. Theconnection pole 422 and the cover body 11 can be integrallyinjection-molded. In particular, the electrically conductive connectors42 and the top cover body 11 can be integrally injection-molded suchthat there is no gap between the connection pole 422 and the cover body11. As a result, volatilization of an evaporated fragrance from betweenthe cover body 11 and the connection pole 422 is avoided, thus improvingthe sealing properties of the device. In some configurations, a sealingmember may be used between the electrically conductive connectors 42 andthe cover body 11 for sealing purpose; the sheet body 421 can be weldedto the connection end 411 of the heating wire 41. In some embodiments,the electrically conductive connectors 42 may only include theconnection poles 422 that are connected to the heating wire 41 that isconnected to the power supply circuit.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B, a limitprojection 13 is formed on a side of the cover body 11. As shown in FIG.8A through FIG. 8C, the wall of the installation chamber of theelectronic scented candle 300 is formed with a limit groove 240, and thelimit projection 13 engages with the limit groove 240 to allow thefragrance container 10 to be installed at a fixed angle when positionedinto the installation chamber. Such a mechanism improves the ease ofinstallation. As for example shown in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C, the limitprojection 13 that is positioned on the cover body 11 makes itimpossible to install the fragrance container 10 into the electronicscented candle 300 if the limit projection 13 is not aligned with thelimit groove 240. Therefore, the engagement between the limit projection13 and the limit groove 240 enables the fragrance container 10 to besmoothly and accurately installed into the electronic scented candle300, and at the same time, prevents incorrect installation of thefragrance container 10. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8A through FIG.8C, a guide point 210 may be provided on the bottom of the electronicscented candle 300 to prompt a user to align the limit projection 13with the prompt point 210 to further enable smooth and accurateinstallation of the fragrance container 10. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C, the limit groove 240 extends to thebase of the electronic scented candle, and the cover body 11 and thebottle body 12 have the same diameter. During installation of thefragrance container 10, the limit groove 240 is visible, and a user candirectly align the limit projection 13 with the limit groove 240, suchthat the fragrance container 10 is smoothly and accurately installedinto the electronic scented candle 300. At the same time, due thepresent of the guide point 210, the user incorrect installation of thefragrance container 10 is avoided. In some embodiments, the base isprovided with a projection 260 (see FIG. 2D) that extends into theelectronic scented candle 300, and a part of the limit groove 240 isformed on the projection 260. The projection 260 adds to the overallstrength of the base, and at the same time allows the limit groove 240to have a relatively long length.

In some embodiments, the cover body 11 and the fragrance container 10 tothe electronic scented are fixedly attached to the candle 300 through asnap-connection structure. In some embodiments, the cover body 11 andthe fragrance container 10 are fixedly attached to the electronicscented candle 300 through a door lock switch. It should be understood,however, that other connections mechanisms can also be used forconnecting the cover body 11 and the fragrance container 10 to theelectronic scented candle 300.

In some embodiments, the base of the electronic scented candle 300 isprovided with a plurality of support components 130 that are spacedapart from each other (see FIGS. 1A and 1C). As shown in FIG. 1B andFIG. 1C, the base of the electronic scented candle 300 includes anopening to allow the power cord 220 of the electronic scented candle 300to be connected to the power supply through the opening. The power cord220 may extend out of the electronic scented candle 300 via the spacing140 between the bottom surface of the candle 300 and the surface uponwhich it rests. The adjacent support components 130 can further limitthe movement of the power cord 220 such that the power cord 220 can onlymove within the space defined by the spacing 140 and the separationbetween the adjacent support components 130. The user can position thecord between any two of the support components 130 to allow a desiredorientation of the candle and the power cord 220 that extends out belowthe candle.

In some embodiments, as for example, shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 8C, thereis a gap 60 between the fragrance container 10 and the wall of theinstallation chamber. The air inlet 14 is in communication with theexternal air through the gap 60, and the gap 60 can be used as an airsupply channel. In operation, as the fan 52 drives the air to flow intothe air inlet 14, the air enters the scent chamber 20 from the airoutlet, while air is replenished through the air inlet through the gap60, which ensures that the air is promptly replenished into the scentchamber 20, such that the fragrance is volatilized rapidly into theexternal air and the electronic scented candle 300 can release a scentrapidly. In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 isprovided with an independent air supply channel, such as an intake port270 (see FIG. 3A) that is formed on the base of the electronic scentedcandle 300. The intake port 270 is formed on the inner side of thesupport components 130, and the support components 130 can block theintake port 270 from view to ensure an elegant appearance of theelectronic scented candle 300. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, theintake port 270 can be formed at center of the base of the electronicscented candle 300.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D andFIG. 2B, the shell 160 is provided with an observation window 180thereon. The observation window 180 is constructed to allow at leastsome of the contents of the fragrance container 10 to be visible. Theshell 160 of the electronic scented candle 300 is provided with at leastone observation window 180 thereon, (when there is a plurality offragrance containers 10, a plurality of observation windows 180 may becorrespondingly disposed to allow the contents of each fragrancecontainer 10 to be viewed). This way, a viewer can visually assess howmuch of the fragrance material is remaining in the fragrance container10. In some embodiments, the profile of a receiving hole on the wall ofthe installation chamber opposing the observation window 180 is greaterthan the profile of the observation window 180, which, on one hand,prevents a user from seeing the hole wall of the receiving hole andensures an elegant appearance of the product, and on the other hand,lowers the difficulty in installation of an observation window 180 andimproves the production efficiency of the product. In one embodiment,the observation window 180 is made of a clear plastic; in otherembodiments, the observation window 180 may be a hole of a specificshape, including but not limited to any one of a rectangle, a rhombus,an ellipse, a water droplet, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG.8A through FIG. 8C, in some embodiments, the limit groove 240 and theobservation window 180 are provided within the side of the candledevice. The observation window 180 can be placed at the appropriatelocation on the shell 160, which has a relatively large surface area. Assuch the observation window 180 will not obscure or interfere with othercomponents of the candle device. Moreover, the height of the projection260 can be selected to be lower than the position of the observationwindow 180, so as to ensure that the projection 260 is not seen throughthe observation window 180.

In some embodiments, as shown in for example FIG. 1E and FIG. 2C, theelectronic scented candle 300 further comprises a light source 150. Thelight source 150 is disposed close to the observation window 180 forilluminating the fragrance container 10. The light source 150 canilluminate the bottle body 12 of the fragrance container 10 such thatthe amount of fragrance material remaining in the container can be seeneven in dark ambient environments. The light source 150 is preferablydisposed on the shell 160, but may be disposed in other locations in theelectronic scented candle 300. The light source 150 may be an LED lamp.In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 further comprisesa controller. The controller is connected with the light source andcontrols the light source and displays a status of the electronicscented candle 300. For example, when the battery 310 of the electronicscented candle 300 is in a charging state, the light source 150 is on,and the light source 150 is turned on having a particular color. Whenthe battery 310 is fully charged, the light source 150 providesillumination in another color. For example, when the battery 310 is in acharging state, the light source 150 provides a red color; when thebattery 310 is 50% charged, the light source 150 turns yellow; and whenthe battery 310 is fully charged, the light source 150 turns white. Inaddition, the light source 150 may also function as a signal indicator.For example, when a sensor receives a signal, the light source 150flickers to prompt a user that the electronic scented candle 300 hasreceived a signal. In some embodiments, when a user operates the candledevice while the candle is being charged, the light source operation isprioritized to give a higher priority to the touch display operation,and can automatically switch to the providing the charging-specificsignals at a particular time interval (e.g., three seconds) after theuser stops the operation. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2C, there may beone or more light sources 150. In one example, when the battery 310 ofthe electronic scented candle 300 only has 20% power left, the lightsource is turned in red color to prompt a user to promptly charge thedevice (in case of a rechargeable battery) or to replace with a newbattery (in case of a dry cell).

It should be noted that embodiments of the present application showexamples that there is one fragrance container 10, but variations ofembodiments of the electronic scented candle 300 of the presentinvention can be implemented to include a plurality of fragrancecontainers 10, e.g. two, three or more fragrance containers 10. In oneembodiment, the electronic scented candle 300 includes a plurality ofscent chambers 20, where one fragrance container 10 is connected to onescent chamber 20. In another embodiment, one scent chamber 20 isconnected to a plurality of fragrance containers 10. In otherembodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 includes one scentchamber 20 and a plurality of fragrance containers 10 that are connectedto the scent chamber 20. In configurations with a plurality of fragrancecontainers 10, a user chooses his/her favorite fragrances forcombination and mixing, thereby producing a mixed scent or “concoction”in his/her own way to even produce scents that never existed before. Inone embodiment, the scents from the plurality of fragrance containers 10may all be directed into one scent chamber 20 and then discharged fromone scent outlet. In another embodiment, the scents from the pluralityof fragrance containers 10 may all be directed into a plurality of scentchambers 20, respectively, and then to an external environment of theelectronic scented candle 300 from a plurality of scent outlets. In sucha way, different scents can either be mixed before being delivered to anexternal environment, or first be sent to an external environment andthen mixed in the air, both of which can further improve the diversityand mixing effect of scents.

In some embodiments, as shown in for example FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D, and FIG.2A, the upper portion of the electronic scented candle 300 is preferablyprovided with a flame piece 170 in the form of a flame shape, which iscapable of making irregular movements. When a light is projected ontothe flame piece 170, the flame piece 170 randomly sways to produce asimilar effect as a real flame. In addition, the flame piece 170 caninclude a black section to simulate a real candle wick. The blacksection is positioned outside of the installation hole of the electronicscented candle 300 to simulate a wick of a real candle after burning.Along with the flickering of the flame piece 170, the electronic scentedcandle 300 releases a scent at the same time, which can create a desired(e.g., romantic) atmosphere. The upper portion of the flame piece 170 ispreferably formed as a sheet-like flame piece, or may be combined by twoor more sheet-like flame pieces, or may even be a 3-dimensionalcomponent. In some embodiments, the flame piece 170 may be made ofplastic or an organic synthetic material. In one preferred embodiment,the flame piece 170 is made of a translucent material, such that theflame can be seen from both sides of the flame piece 170. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the upper portion of the flame piece 170 has anuneven thickness, e.g., thin at the top and thick at the bottom, or thinat the top, thick in the middle, and thin at the bottom, to simulatedifferent lighting effects of a flame at different heights and toimprove the life-like appearance of the flame. In one embodiment, thelower portion of the flame piece 170 has a magnet or a magneticmaterial, such that the light-emitting elements 200 can undergononlinear movements that vary with time under the action of the magneticfield. In another embodiment, the flame piece 170 is driven in anothermode such due to a air flow produced by a fan or an airflow from theoutside environment.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 2B, one or morelight-emitting elements 200 may be provided, such that light is directlyor indirectly projected onto the flame-shaped elements on the upperportion of the flame piece 170 from one or more light-emitting element200. In some embodiments, an optical element, such as lens, may be usedto simulate the flame in a more life-like manner. The light-emittingelement 200 may be an LED light source. The LEDs may be installed at oneside of the flame piece 170, the LEDs may be installed at two sides ofthe flame piece 170, or the LEDs may be installed at the bottom of astand that supports the flame piece 170. The light-emitting element 200may also be a halogen lamp.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, the shell 160 of the electronic scentedcandle 300 is preferably constructed to have a shape similar to aconventional candle. The cross section of the shell 160 may be furtherformed to have a triangular, square, oval or irregular shape. Paths maybe formed on the shell 160 that look like solidified flows of meltedwax, so as to simulate a used candle. The shell 160 may be made ofmaterials including wax, paraffin, plastics, glass, metal, ceramic,crystal, polymers, or any combination thereof. The top of the electronicscented candle 300 may be substantially a flat surface to simulate abrand-new unused candle, or to include a recessed top surface tosimulate a candle that has been used for a period. The top of theelectronic scented candle 300 is formed with an installation hole, andthe flame piece 170 extends outwardly from inside the shell 160 via thehole. In one embodiment, the installation hole on the top of theelectronic scented candle 300 is the same hole as the scent outlet. Inother embodiments, the scent outlet may be formed separately, forexample, on the side or bottom of the electronic scented candle 300.There may also be a plurality of scent outlets to allow the scent to berapidly diffused into the air.

In some embodiments, the electronic scented candle further comprises atilt sensor (not shown). The tilt sensor is constructed to shut down thepower supply to the heating device when the electronic scented candle istilted by a predetermined angle. In such a way, when the electronicscented candle is tilted, the tilt sensor can sense such an action andthen shut down the power supply to the heating device. When theelectronic scented candle is tilted or placed upside down, the heatedfragrance would flow out of the fragrance container and to the heatingdevice or a circuit of the electronic scented candle. By shutting downthe power supply to the heating device in such a case, short circuit ofthe power supply is avoided thus improving the safety of the of thecandle device. In one embodiment, an angle threshold is set for tilting;for example, the threshold angle can be set at 45° or 75° with respectto the vertical axis of the electronic scented candle. The tilt sensordetermines the tilt angle of the candle and shuts down the power supplywhen the tilt angle equals or exceeds the threshold angle. In oneembodiment, three tilt sensors are arranged in a triangle with the angletherebetween to be 45° or 75°. In this configuration, when the verticalaxis of the electronic scented candle forms an angle of 45° or 75°relative to the vertical state, the power supply to the heating deviceis shut down. In one embodiment, the tilt sensor may be a ball switch.In addition, when the electronic scented candle 300 is down, thefunction of the electronic scented candle 300 is immediately shut down,and the light source 150 keeps on flashing in red until the product isput back in its position, when the electronic scented candle 300 isrestored to the state and settings prior to the shutdown.

The electronic scented candle further comprises a power supply includinga battery chamber that accommodates one or more dry cells orrechargeable batteries. In the case of a rechargeable batteries, thebatteries can be charged in a wireless charging mode; alternatively oradditionally, the batteries may be charged with solar energy that isconverted into electrical energy for storage when the product is not inuse. In another embodiment, the power supply may include a plug that isdirectly connected to AC at home or work so as to supply power to theelectronic scented candle.

In some embodiments, the fragrance container 10 may be present in theelectronic scented candle 300 when the product leaves the factory. Insome other embodiments, the electronic scented candle 300 may not carrythe fragrance container 10 when leaving the factory, and instead, a usermay install it on his/her own into the installation chamber according tohis/her preferences.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, thebottom of the electronic scented candle 300 is provided with a pluralityof toggle switches. For example, a first switch 190 includes threeswitch positions: LED, Combo, and Scent. A second switch 290 includesthree switch positions: Off, On, and Time. The first switch 190 and thesecond switch 290 are disposed at the bottom of the electronic scentedcandle 300, which ensures the overall elegant appearance of theelectronic scented candle 300. Since the electronic scented candle 300includes support components 130, the height of the first switch 190 andthe second switch 290 can be selected slightly protrude from the bottomsurface of the shell 160 (but no more than the height of the supportcomponents 130) to facilitate their operations by a user.

An exemplary operation control of the electronic scented candle 300using the above noted switched is as follows:

-   1. When the first switch 190 is pushed to the LED position, the    heating device 40 is not turned on. Upon detection by the capacitive    sensor 93 that a user has touched the electronic scented candle 300,    in the case of one touch, the light-emitting element 200 is turned    on. If another touch is detected, the light-emitting element 200 is    turned off. If a constant touch for three seconds is detected, and    if the second switch 290 is at the On position, a five-hour timer is    activated, and the light-emitting element 200 flashes once to    indicate that the timer has been activated. If the second switch 290    is at the Time position and a constant touch for three seconds is    detected, the light source 150 turns on with the white color, and    stays on for three seconds, which also activated the timing setting    mode. The initial default timer setting of the electronic scented    candle 300 is five hours. When the timer is set for five hours, the    light-emitting element 200 flashes once, the light source 150 turns    to white and stays on for three seconds. When the light source 150    turns to white and stays on, each touch would change to a different    timer duration: one touch activates a six-hour timer and the    light-emitting element 200 flashes twice; one more touch activates    an eight-hour timer and the light-emitting element 200 flashes three    times; a further touch activates a five-hour timer and the    light-emitting element 200 flashes once, and the cycle can be    repeated in similar manner. After three seconds of no touches, the    light source 150 turns to white and turns off while the timer is set    according to the last touch. If a user wants to reactivate the timer    after the light source 150 turns off, the user needs to apply a    continuous touch for three seconds, at which time the light-emitting    element 200 will flash for a number of times corresponding to the    currently-set timer value. The light source 150 turns to white and    stays on for three seconds, indicating that the timer mode is    entered to allow the operations to be repeated as described above.-   2. When the first switch 190 is pushed to the Scent position, the    light-emitting element 200 is turned off. Upon detection of a touch    by the capacitive sensor 93 of the electronic scented candle 300, in    the case of one touch, the heating device 40 is turned off. If an    additional touch is sensed, the heating device 40 is turned on and    the light source 150 turns to white and stays on for one second. The    default initial scent state of the electronic scented candle 300 is    low-speed volatilization of fragrance. In case of sensing of a    continuous touch for three seconds, if the second switch 290 is at    the On position, a 120 minute timer state is entered, the light    source 150 turns to white and flashes once, indicating that the    timer is activated. When the second switch 290 is at the Time    position, the timer setting mode is entered after continuous touch    for three seconds is detected. The default timer duration is, for    example, 120 minutes. If then current timer state is 120 minutes,    the light-emitting element 200 flashes once, and when the light    source 150 turns to white and stays on, each touch would change to a    different timer duration. For example, one touch activates a 180    minute timer and the light-emitting element 200 flashes twice. One    additional touch activated a 240 minute timer and the light-emitting    element 200 flashes three times. An additional touch activates a 120    minute timer and the light-emitting element 200 is activated to    flash once, and the cycle can be repeated in a similar manner. After    three seconds of no operation, the light source 150 turns off with    the last touch having determined the final timer state. If a user    wants to reactivate the timer after the light source 150 turns off,    the user needs to apply a continuous touch for three seconds, at    which time the product will display the current timing state, and    the light source 150 will flash for a number of times corresponding    to the current timing state. The light source 150 turns to white and    stays on for three seconds, indicating that the timer setting mode    is entered, and the cycle can be repeated in a similar manner.-   3. When the first switch 190 is pushed to the Combo position, the    light-emitting element 200 and the heating device 40 work    simultaneously. Upon detection of a touch by the capacitive sensor    93, in the case of one touch, the heating device 40 is turned off,    and in the case of sensing an additional touch, the heating device    40 is turned on and the light source 150 turns to white and stays on    for one second. The default initial scent state of the electronic    scented candle 300 is low-speed volatilization of fragrance. When a    continuous touch for three seconds is sensed, if the second switch    290 is at the On position, a five-hour timer state is entered, the    light-emitting element 200 flashes, indicating that timer is    activated. When the second switch 290 is at the Time position, the    timer setting mode is entered after a continuous touch for three    seconds is detected; the light source 150 stays on for three    seconds. The initial default timer value of the electronic scented    candle 300 is five hours. If the current timer state is five hours,    the light-emitting element 200 flashes once. When the light source    150 is white, each touch would change the timer setting to a    different timer duration. For example, one touch activates a    six-hour timer and the light-emitting element 200 flashes twice. An    additional touch activates an eight-hour timer and the    light-emitting element 200 flashes three times. A further touch    activates a five-hour timer and the light-emitting element 200    flashes once, and the cycle can be repeated in a similar manner.    After three seconds of no operation, the light source 150 turns to    white and turns off with the last touch having determined the final    timer setting. If a user wants to reactivate the timer after the    light source 150 turns off, the user needs to apply a continuous    touch for three seconds to activate the timer mode; the    light-emitting element 200 will flash for a number of times    corresponding to then current timer setting, and at the same time,    the light source 150 turns to white and stays on for three seconds,    indicating that the timer setting mode is entered, and the cycle can    be repeated in a similar manner.

The Low (i.e., low-speed volatilization of fragrance) mode of theelectronic scented candle 300 has the following initial settings: theheating device 40 has a current of 300 MA, and every 2 minutes ofheating is followed by 15 minutes of pause. The Mid (i.e., mid-speedvolatilization of fragrance) mode has the following initial settings:the heating device 40 has a current of 320 MA, and every 2 minutes ofheating is followed by 15 minutes of pause. The High (i.e., high-speedvolatilization of fragrance) mode has the following initial settings:the heating device 40 has a current of 350 MA, and every 2 minutes ofheating is followed by 15 minutes of pause.

The above control mode is an example of one embodiment; additionaloperational modes can be implemented consistent with the disclosedembodiments.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a fragrancecontainer 10 comprising a cover body 11, a bottle body 12, a heatingdevice 40, a liquid suction channel 30, an electric energy input end,and a scent chamber 20. The scent chamber 20 is disposed on the coverbody 11, and the cover body 11 covers the bottle body 12. An air inlet14 and a vent hole 15 of the scent chamber 20 are in communication withexternal air (the external air refers to the air outside of thefragrance container 10). One end of the liquid suction channel 30extends into a fragrance material in the bottle body 12, whereas theother end of the liquid suction channel 30 extends into the scentchamber 20. The liquid suction channel 30 is capable of suckingfragrance from one end of the liquid suction channel 30 to the other endthereof. A heating device 40 is disposed inside the scent chamber 20 forheating one end of the liquid suction channel 30. One or more electricalconnectors are disposed on the cover body 11 and are connected with theheating device 40. The electrical connectors can comprise anelectrically conductive sheet 42.

With respect to the fragrance container, a liquid in the bottle bodyrises from the bottom to the top of the liquid suction channel due tocapillary action. The heating device is powered on and heats the liquidsuction channel to accelerate volatilization (or vaporization) of thefragrance. The scent is volatilized from the scent outlet into theexternal air to release the scent. Heat can accelerate the movementspeed of molecules, and the heated fragrance molecules can move into theair rapidly, such that the fragrance container can quickly produce ascent after being powered on. This mode of scent dissemination is fasterrelative to existing configurations that rely on rapid air flow dispersea scent.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understoodthat orientation or position relationship indicated by terms such as“up”, “down”, etc., is an orientation or position shown in theaccompanying drawings (see, e.g., FIG. 1A), which is provided only forfacilitating the description of the present invention and forsimplifying the description.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic scented candle, comprising: ashell having a cylindrical shape and including a top surface having ahole; a movable three-dimensional flame-shaped structure that extendsoutwardly from inside the shell through the hole, wherein a lowerportion of the movable three-dimensional flame-shaped structure includesa magnetic element; a light source configured to illuminate an upperportion of the movable three-dimensional flame-shaped structure; aninstallation chamber for accommodating a fragrance container includingan opening to allow the fragrance container to be inserted into theinstallation chamber, wherein the installation chamber is cylindrical inshape having a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the shell andhaving a longitudinal axis that is offset from a longitudinal axis thatpasses through a center of the shell; a scent chamber within the shellto receive a fragrance material upon insertion of the fragrancecontainer into the installation chamber; an air inlet connected to thescent chamber to allow air to be directed into the scent chamber; anelectric fan positioned within the shell and configured to drive the airinto the scent chamber; a scent outlet coupled to the scent chamber toallow the fragrance material to leave the scent chamber; and a bottomsection of the electronic scented candle that includes: a receptacle forconnecting a power cord to the electronic scented candle; a plurality ofstands that protrude from a bottom surface of the bottom section andforming a space for allowing the power cord to pass through the space,and one or more switches to allow the electronic scented candle to beturned on, turned off, or operate in a timer mode.
 2. The electronicscented candle of claim 1, comprising the fragrance container, wherein:a cylindrical channel is positioned within the fragrance containerhaving one end that is immersed in a liquid fragrance material, and uponplacement of the fragrance container into the installation chamber,another end of the cylindrical channel is in communication with thescent chamber.
 3. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, comprising agasket positioned to, upon insertion of the fragrance container into theinstallation chamber, form a seal between the fragrance container andthe scent chamber.
 4. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, whereinthe scent outlet is coupled to the hole on the top surface of the shellto allow the fragrance material to exit the electronic scented candle.5. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, further including a heatercoupled to the scent chamber to facilitate dissemination of thefragrance material.
 6. The electronic scented candle of claim 2, whereinthe cylindrical channel is configured to draw the fragrance materialinto the scent chamber.
 7. The electronic scented candle of claim 6,wherein the cylindrical channel comprises an absorbent material.
 8. Theelectronic scented candle of claim 1, further comprising a remotecontroller coupled to a receiver that resides inside the shell, theremote controller configured to transmit electromagnetic signals to thereceiver for controlling an operation of the electronic scented candle.9. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, wherein the timer modeenable an operation of the electronic scented candle for a predeterminedduration of time.
 10. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, whereinthe receptacle is positioned at a center location of the bottom surface.11. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, wherein the electronicscented candle is operable to simultaneously induce movement andillumination of the movable three-dimensional flame-shaped structure,and to allow the fragrance material to be disseminated.
 12. Theelectronic scented candle of claim 1, wherein the light source ispositioned to directly illuminate at least a portion of the upperportion of the movable three-dimensional flame-shaped structure.
 13. Theelectronic scented candle of claim 1, wherein the light source is alight emitting diode (LED), and the electronic scented candle includesone or more additional light sources positioned inside the shell. 14.The electronic scented candle of claim 13, wherein the one or moreadditional light sources are capable of producing light with differentcolors.
 15. The electronic scented candle of claim 1, wherein theinstallation chamber includes a slot that is configured to engage abuckle on the fragrance container.
 16. The electronic scented candle ofclaim 1, including an intake port for supplying air to the electronicscented candle.